Field Ecologist / Applied Fire Scientist

Field Ecologist / Applied Fire Scientist

About BurnBot

BurnBot provides systematic fuels treatment services to prevent destructive wildfires. We're firefighters, scientists, engineers, prescribed fire practitioners, ecologists, and community members who are answering the call to scale fuel treatment capacity. Our modern fuel treatment system recognizes and supports conservation efforts with a clean, smoke-free process. We need technology to amplify our workforces with targeted use of synthetic fire to treat fuel loads 10x faster than previously possible. 

The Role

BurnBots Inc. is seeking a Field Ecologist / Applied Fire Scientist with deep expertise in vegetation ecology, prescribed fire, and fuels treatment. This individual contributor role will lead BurnBot’s applied ecological research on how our controlled burning and mastication systems affect vegetation structure, invasive grass dynamics, fuel profiles, and soil health across diverse landscapes. The ideal candidate is both a scientist and practitioner; someone who designs field experiments, collects and interprets ecological data, and thrives in rugged outdoor conditions. They are equally comfortable analyzing plant community data as they are lighting test plots or supervising field sampling. This position is ideal for a hands-on, fast-moving ecologist passionate about applying science to real-world wildfire solutions.

This role is an exempt role with an annual compensation of $130,000 - $150,000. However, we do consider many factors when creating job offers, including (but not limited to), the role, location, responsibilities, experience, training, education, and skillset.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Applied Research & Experimentation

• • • Design and lead experiments assessing the ecological effects of prescribed burning and mastication, both individually and in combination.

    • Develop field protocols to quantify vegetation change, fuel load reduction, invasive species suppression, and soil impacts.

    • Measure treatment efficacy across different vegetation communities (grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, mixed conifer, sagebrush, etc.).

    • Integrate field data into BurnBot’s ecological performance framework to guide operations and system design.

Field Data Collection & Analysis

• • • Conduct vegetation and soil sampling using standardized ecological survey methods.

    • Use GPS, GIS, drones, and remote sensing tools to monitor site conditions and treatment outcomes.

    • Analyze plant community and soil data using R, Python, or similar statistical tools.

    • Synthesize and present findings to the BurnBot team and external partners.

Collaboration & Outreach

• • • Collaborate closely with engineers, operators, and partner scientists to align ecological metrics with system performance.

    • Build relationships with universities, agencies, and nonprofits for applied research collaborations.

    • Represent BurnBot at ecological and prescribed fire conferences, workshops, and field demonstrations.
      

Communication & Grants

• • • Author technical reports, field guides, and publications on treatment efficacy and ecological benefits.

    • Support and lead grant proposals for applied fire and restoration research.

    • Communicate scientific insights in accessible ways to partners, funders, and the public.

Qualifications

• • • Ph.D. or M.S. in Ecology, Fire Science, Forestry, Rangeland Science, Soil Science, or a related field.

    • 5–10 years of applied field research experience in prescribed fire, fuels treatment, or vegetation ecology.

    • Demonstrated expertise studying effects of mastication, burning, and combined treatments on vegetation and soils.

    • Proficiency with ecological field methods, vegetation surveys, and soil sampling techniques.

    • Familiarity with fuels monitoring and fire behavior metrics.

    • Strong analytical skills in R/Python and GIS-based spatial analysis.

    • Knowledge of Western U.S. vegetation communities, invasive species, and post-fire succession.

    • Comfortable conducting intensive fieldwork in rugged terrain and variable weather.

    • Excellent organizational and project management skills in dynamic, multi-site environments.

    • Strong written and verbal communication; ability to translate ecological data into actionable insights.

    • Experience collaborating across scientific, technical, and operational teams.

    • Self-directed, adaptive, and motivated by the challenge of scaling ecological science for wildfire resilience.

    • Physical ability to lift/push/pull weights of up to 60 lbs with regularity.

    • Ability to bend, twist, lift, reach, grasp and climb various surfaces and heights for 6 hours per day.

    • Passion for Burnbot’s mission 

It would be cool if…

• • • Experience working in or with wildfire, prescribed fire or other land management organization; including FFT2, FEMO or equivalent certifications.

Still interested? Please apply by sending your resume to careers@burnbot.com or visiting our job postings on Indeed.

Burnbot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including but not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with one or more disabilities, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 415-795-9124 or careers@burnbot.com.

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000